Few weeks ago, I and my classmates had a trip to Kotagede, seeing the remains of its victory. It was exotic, we said, for there were many amazing heritages still standing here. The trip started from the traditional market, which is well known as Pasar Gede (in short: Sargede). Going ahead to the south along a narrow street, we stopped in the Mataram Kings Cemetery. Entering this area, we could feel the solemn situation. There is a high big banyan tree in left of path to the Cemetery Complex. This tree
has been for hundred years. There is something interesting about this tree. It is believed that anybody who will leave Jogja for doing his duty will be safe if taking two leaves of this tree which is found in the different position. Walking to the west, we will enter Great Mosque Complex, which the gate is beautiful in its architecture. It adopts Hinduism and Budhism style. It is because when it was built here, there were many people still being Hinduism and Budhism. This style also can be seen from the corners of the Great Mosque. There is a speaker’s platform, which is given by Adipati Palembang. The complex of Mataram kings is in the south of the Great Mosque. It is also the cemetery of the king family. It was the residence of Ki Ageng Pemanahan long time ago. After the first gate, we can find a shed named Bangsal Duda, which becomes a cooperation building now. In the west of this shed, we find the second gate. There are two houses here, which becomes the divider as well as the connection line to the 
cemetery and springs. There are an office, a storage, Bangsal Pengapit Lor, and Bangsal pengapit Kidul. The gate to the Cemetery complex is in the west of this complex. But it is not open everyday. In the left of the cemetery complex, there are two spring, those are Sendang Kakung and Sendang Putri. Sendang Kakung is for men and Sendang Putri is for women. In Sendang Kakung, we can see some catfishes swimming. Those are big. Perhaps those have been living in this spring for many years. The colors are white and black.Walking about 100 meters to the southern complex of Mataram kings, there is an old canteen in the right side of the path. It is Sidosemi, which has been there since
years ago. Inside the canteen, we can see the old price list hanging on the wall. It is unique, for it is written in the old spelling of Indonesian. We can order some menus here such as mung bean ice, bakso, mixed ice, limun, and so on. The classic drink is limun. The taste is almost same with the coke. Continuing the trip to the south, there is an old site named Watu Gilang and Watu Gatheng. According to the history, Watu Gilang is the throne of Panembahan Senopati. It is made of a cubicle granite stone with a little concave in one of the side. It was taken from Bambang Lipuro forest, which is known as Bambanglipuro, Bantul now.
On this throne Panembahan Senopati leads the kingdom. There is a story about the concave in one of the side. It appears after Panembahan Senopati strike Ki Mangir’s head till he dies. Ki Mangir is his son in law including his enemy. Panembahan Senopati tricks him by sending his princess as a dancer who attracts him in his kingdom. After being married, unwillingly he comes to his father in law kingdom to kneel in front of him as a respect. When he kneels, Panembahan Senopati strikes his head. Panembahan Senopati becomes a king after he rebels to Pajang Kingdom, after the dath of Ki Ageng Pemanahan.
Pajang Kingdom collapses after the relative war. And Watu Gilang is the witness of Mataram Kingdom under the lead of Panembahan Senopati. Watu Gilang and Watu Gatheng is in a small house. The house itself is in the center of the street. There is a mentaok tree close to the house. About Watu Gatheng, it is the toy of Raden Ronggo. He throws it up and then catchs it again. The stones are round. There are 2 stones in diferrent size. The smallest one is about 15 centimeters in its diameter, the others are 27 centimeters and 31 centimeters. For he issupernatural, he can use tose stones as his toys. According to the myth, anybody who can lift those stones is granted in his prayer. After visiting this site, we can hunt silver in the kampong, where the complex is very special. entering this area, we walk through narrow path. the house are old building, with the old architecture of course. There is an unique house here, knowing from the story.
This house is haunted. people say that nobody will stay long here for there are many ghosts which disturb the inhabitants here. The ghost can be horse and strange sounds.
It is not complete if we have a trip without trying the cuisine. Kotagede has many cuisine, such as kipo. It is made of glutinous rice in a small form, filled by coconut and some sugar. Then it is put on the banana leaf and be steamed. It is
named kipo, from the shortened words "iki" and "opo". Perhaps people do not know how to name this cuisine so they name it kipo. For the form of this cuisine is small, it is only as bis as adult thumb makes us want to eat more and more.Sate klathak
Sate is roasted meat. The most well known sate klathak is in Jl. Imogiri. Usually, sate is roasted using bamboo. But sate klathak is unique. It is roasted using the
trellis of bicycle. Sate klathak is made of young goat, so the meat is soft. If another sate is served with some soya sauce, sate klathak is served plainly. But, do not worry, the taste is delicious. It perhaps sate klathak is added with some salt and garlic when it is being roasted. According to some information about this cuisine, you are better to order two portions, so you will satisfied, because one portion contains two sticks only.
Yanko
Yangko is one of Kotagede cuisine which is made of glutinous rice. It was named kiyangko, but now it has been simple, yangko. The process of making this cake is
preparing glutinous rice flour, then it is added with sugar liquid and essence. Before being grilled, the glutinous rice must be steamed and after being dried, it is fried without soya oil. Then it is put into the former. Wait until it becomes hard and then cut it. We need oil paper to wrape it. There are many taste of yangko, such as peanut, durian, strawberry, jackfruit, chocolate, and also orange.
